December 19, 2009: The 2009 AntiMall was held on a cordoned-off street adjacent to Antigua Coffee House (which was celebrating its grand reopening) at 3400 North Figueroa in Cypress Park. Antigua serves coffee that is organically grown by a family-run business in Guatemala (more information here).

Many of us would like to give up holiday shopping altogether. However, the annual AntiMall is an opportunity for holiday shoppers to at least have their money go to artivists (artists + community activists) and causes such as Afghan Women's Mission—rather than big box stores and other corporate behemoths.

AntiMalls tend to have good, healthy food as well (oftentimes the South Central Farmers have provided the catering). It is also an opportunity to engage in good conversation with like-minded people.

This year's live entertainment was provided by Buyepongo, DJ Gomez Comes Alive!, Kotolan, DJ Rani D., Ollin, Gigio & Dren Doh, DJ Marco, and others.

The AntiMall changes location each year in the hope of serving different communities in L.A. Previous venues have included El Sereno Community Garden, the Southern California Library, and the La Culebra community space in Highland Park.

Here is LA IndyMedia's coverage/pix of previous AntiMalls: 2008 AntiMall (part 1) 2008 AntiMall (part 2) 2007: Winter AntiMall (photos/report) Winter AntiMall (additional pix)

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Prolific artist/educator Lilia Ramirez is a long-time participant in the AntiMalls. She sells cards and candles featuring her art. Ramirez's page is: www.myspace.com/kozmica. E-mail: Lilithflor@hotmail.com

Ramirez's page is: www.myspace.com/kozmica. E-mail: Lilithflor@hotmail.com

Afghan Women's Mission has also been a regular vendor at the AntiMalls. On sale (at pretty reasonable prices) are hand-made purses, wallets, pillow cases, shirts, and other items. The proceeds, of course, go to the Afghan women who made them. Website: http://www.afghanwomensmission.org

More from Afghan Women's Mission. Website: http://www.afghanwomensmission.org

http://www.afghanwomensmission.org

Self-Help Graphics still occupies much of its original space at 3802 Cesar Chavez Ave, 90063. E-mail: operations@selfhelfgraphics.com

e.l.a.: "Preserving the art, culture & fashion of East L.A."

A display from filmmaker Clay Clairborne's booth. Clairborne made the documentary Vietnam: American Holocaust. See: http://VietnamAmericanHolocaust.com

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Now located at 3400 N. Figueroa in Cypress Park. http://www.antiguacoffeehouse.com/

Now located at 3400 N. Figueroa in Cypress Park. http://www.antiguacoffeehouse.com/

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The Heart of Art is "a student-managed & financed, sustainable multi-media studio as a public school." They are part of Room 13 International. Website: http://www.room13scotland.com/

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